Forced and chosen transfers for medical assistance in dying (MAiD) before and during the COVID 19 pandemic: A mixed methods study
Ellen Wiebe, Brian Sum, Michaela Kelly, Mirna Hennawy
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of people who transferred locations for MAiD. It used mixed methods with a chart review from one health authority and interviews with key informants across Canada. In the chart review, we found that of 444 MAiD deaths, 42 (9.5%) were forced to transfer due to the religious affiliation of the facility and 33 (7.4%) chose to transfer. In 23 interviews with 18 key informants we found that the most important theme was the suffering caused by forced transfers. COVID-19 restrictions led to fewer choices and more suffering.
Topics & Concepts
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)PandemicTheme (computing)2019-20 coronavirus outbreakSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Key (lock)PsychologySociologyMedicineVirologyComputer scienceComputer securityInfectious disease (medical specialty)DiseasePathologyOperating systemOutbreakPalliative Care and End-of-Life IssuesGrief, Bereavement, and Mental HealthReligion, Spirituality, and Psychology